Uzbekistan

This remarkable rail journey by private train follows the trail of countless caravan merchants and explorers through Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, as well as dazzling Iran. Admire the breathtaking Uzbek oases of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, and visit Turkmenistan's burning Darvaza Gas Crater, called locally the “Door to Hell.” Enter Iran and discover the luxuriant gardens of Shiraz, the gracious Islamic architecture of Isfahan, and one of the most important sites of the ancient world, Persepolis. Experience nine different UNESCO sites before the journey ends in Iran's exciting capital, Tehran. Read More

The fascinating countries of Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan encompass some of the most spectacular
and absorbing hidden corners of Central Asia. Dive deep into the distinct cultural identities and multi-layered history of these extraordinary lands, discovering ancient desert citadels, dramatic Silk Road fortresses, and surprising Soviet-era remnants, and connect with artists, experts, and tribal villagers who still cling to traditional ways of life. Read More

Traverse four of the five ‘Stans of Central Asia on this private rail journey along the Silk Road. Begin in Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city. Continue into Kyrgyzstan to inspect the capital, Bishkek, and take a boat ride on the country’s most beautiful lake, Issyk-Kul. Dip into Khujand in Tajikistan to meet with a local family and hear about their daily lives. Stop in Tamerlane’s UNESCO-listed hometown, Shahrisabz, before visiting three famed Uzbek Silk Road oases – Samarkand, Khiva, and Bukhara – all of them UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Experience four UNESCO sites in 16 days, with seven hotel nights and eight nights onboard the comfortable Orient Silk Road Express private train. Read More

Silk, spices, tea, precious metals and jewels, carefully lashed to pack camels, made their way from one world to another along the old Silk Road. Follow in the footsteps of early explorers who plied these trade routes connecting East with West.Begin this six-country adventure in Almaty, Kazakhstan and from there fly to the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region of China to visit one of the most exotic cities in the world, Kashgar. Skirt the infamous Taklamakan Desert on camelback, and admire the breathtaking views across the 12,000-foot Torugart Pass, following the Silk Road through Kyrgyzstan to Lake Issyk-Kul and Bishkek. Visit Tashkent, the Fergana Valley and the UNESCO-listed Silk Road oases of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva in Uzbekistan, and continue overland into Turkmenistan to discover its 2,500-year history.Trip currently not available. Call for more information.Read More

Taste your way through Uzbekistan, the vibrant heart of the Silk Road, during the height of the Uzbek New Year, Navruz. Explore the exciting culinary tastes and ancient architecture of three of the most celebrated Silk Road oases – Bukhara, Khiva and Samarkand – along with the modern capital of Tashkent. Celebrate Navruz with the locals as they welcome you into their homes, and discover the enduring traditions and abundant hospitality essential to everyday Uzbek culture. Read More

Join internationally respected dance ethnologist Helene Eriksen on a journey to the heart of the Silk Road, Uzbekistan, to luxuriate in the dances, costumes and music of the Central Asian desert region. This specialized journey is handcrafted for people who are ready to learn the dance movements of the Silk Road and who love the arts and handicrafts of the people who call this region home. Benefit from the knowledge that your host has accumulated throughout 36 years of researching, dancing and teaching the dances of Uzbekistan. Read More

Roll through the heart of the Silk Road on this riveting rail journey by private train, experiencing seven treasured UNESCO Sites in Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. The journey begins in Ashgabat, capital of Turkmenistan, where gleaming marble monuments are counterbalanced by the ruins of Parthian Nisa and ancient Merv. Continue through the Uzbek Silk Road oases of Bukhara, Khiva and Samarkand, fabled cities of blue-tiled domes and graceful arches. End with a traditional meal in a Kazakh yurt in leafy Almaty, Kazakhstan’s business capital. Read More

This five-country rail adventure begins in Russia’s capital, Moscow, then traces a northern branch of the Silk Road into Uzbekistan and on to the complex and beautiful country of Iran. Stop for explorations of the famed oasis cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva before rolling into Iran to discover its fabled treasures and rich archaeological sites. Read More

This five-country rail adventure begins in Iran’s cosmopolitan capital, Tehran, where the UNESCO-listed Golestan Palace is on the menu. Discover rich archaeological sites around the country, including incredible Persepolis and the thousand-year-old mud-brick citadel of Rayen. Stop for explorations of the famed oasis cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, then trace a northern branch of the Silk Road through Kazakhstan into Russia, and end in magnificent Moscow. Read More

Traveler Reviews

This grand rail journey by private train stretches from Uzbekistan, through Turkmenistan, and finally into Iran. Begin in Uzbekistan’s modern capital, Tashkent, and continue into the heart of the Silk Road, the rich UNESCO-listed oasis cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva. In Turkmenistan, discover ancient Merv, the marble monuments of the capital, and the astonishing burning Darvaza gas crater.
Enter mysterious Iran, discovering the ancient citadel of Rayen, the luxurious Shazadeh Garden in Mahan, the Fire Temple of Yazd, graceful Isfahan, the ruins of Persepolis, beautiful Shiraz, and at last, the vibrant capital, Tehran. Encounter eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites along the way.